Advocates challenge Norwalk special education

NORWALK — The same watchdog group that has challenged Bridgeport and Hartford to do a better job by students with special needs now has its sights on Norwalk Public Schools

The Center for Children’s Advocacy, along with other groups, has filed a complaint with the state Department of Education alleging that the school district is systematically and pervasively violating state and federal laws that guarantee children a free and appropriate public education.

The complaint focuses on 17 children in the district who represent a variety of ages, disabilities, income, race and ethnicity. Also part of the action are a group of preschool children, the Center said did not get legally required special education services for months after they should have.

In recent years, Norwalk has worked with the Capitol Region Education Council to conduct reviews. Still, the complaint said many of the issues raised in 2015 continue.

The group wants a corrective action plan that includes changes to records protocol and planning meetings scheduled with the impacted children within 30 days.

Norwalk school officials did not immediately respond to a request for comment.